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<br />Recommendation: <br />Approve by motion directing the Public Works staff to: launch a tree education <br />program; obtain delegated authority to issue citations enforcing tree preservation <br />ordinances; consider requiring fees for issuance of pruning and removal permits <br />and review existing fine schedule; strengthen the city's policies that protect trees <br />during construction and development projects. <br /> <br />Mr. Frank Schwartz, member of the tree board, made a brief presentation to the City <br />Council (presentation on file). <br /> <br />Questions were asked about the current educational program on tree related issues. One <br />Council Member mentioned the need to understand the current economic climate and <br />budgetary limitations. The issue of tree inventory was discussed as well as review of <br />trees. One Council Member would like the standards clearly communicated to the <br />community so that there are no surprises. One Council Member would like to know the <br />intend of the education program, its goals, audience, etc. It was also discussed that prior <br />to considering penalization it might be more appropriate to create an incentive system and <br />partner with the residents. Council consensus was that a less legalistic approach <br />was preferable. It was the Council's preference to incentivize and educate instead <br />of regulating and citing people or businesses. Council appreciated the report and <br />thanked the Tree Board for all its work. <br /> <br />Two additional members of the Tree Board were introduced and they were: Ms. Black and <br />Mr. Nordensten. The new tree specialist, Ms. D'Agostino was also present. Various <br />Council Members inquired about how members of the public could give input on this <br />suggested process. The concept of a certification process for tree pruners was discussed. <br />One Council Member asked if this body will be an appeals body and that currently the <br />appeals function falls within the Parks Recreation Commission purview. <br /> <br />Final comments from Council focused on a better understanding and alignment between <br />the Council strategic initiatives and this proposal. Mayor Foust stated she prefers a <br />defined focus for this body with various options for Council consideration. Similarly, she <br />would like to see how these fit in with the Council's objectives as well the economic picture <br />and budget situation. Council directed the Tree Board to reconsider its recommendations <br />keeping in mind the following: alignment of resources, strategic initiatives, economic <br />context and budgetary implications of recommendations. <br /> <br />Council took a break from 8:45 p.m. to 8:55 p.m. Council resumed at 8:55 p.m. <br /> <br />B. Recommendation for Shoreway Recycling and Disposal Center Facility Operator. <br /> <br />Recommendation: <br />Alternative 1: <br />Provide Redwood City's Board representative with direction on how to vote on this <br />matter at the April 23, 2009 South Bayside Waste Management Authority <br />(SBWMA) Board meeting, including how to respond in the event of the Board <br />becomes "deadlocked" in this matter. <br /> <br />JOINT CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING <br />MINUTES <br /> <br />APRIL 13, 2009 <br />PAGE 5 <br />